International Trade Apprenticeship Success

The International Trade Division at Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce was keen to create opportunities for young people to work within their business, so they turned to their training arm for support and guidance. Coventry & Warwickshire Training support school leavers who are making decisions about their future options, advising on Apprenticeship pathways and career opportunities.

Adele Wheatley approached C&W Chamber Training in 2017 and her recruitment adviser quickly spotted her potential and suitability for the Chamber role.

James Ahearne, an International Trade Executive at The Chamber of Commerce said: “The team at C&W Chamber Training found a number of candidates for us to choose from. However when we met Adele we snapped her up and she started as our International Trade Apprentice in June last year.

“Adele was really keen to start her training and began studying a level 3 Diploma in Business Administration.  She has made fantastic progress and completed the Apprenticeship within 12 months.  She is motivated to learn and develop further by studying additional international trade and marketing courses.

 Commenting on her achievements Adele said: “C&W Chamber Training was highly recommended to me by a friend who had successfully completed an Apprenticeship. I was incredibly nervous when I was offered an interview at The Chamber of Commerce, but the team were so helpful and encouraging that I just grabbed the opportunity.

“Taking an Apprenticeship is the best decision I have ever made. The combination of working and studying whilst earning a salary is an attractive option.  After completing my Apprenticeship I have been offered a new role within the department as an International Trade Commercial Officer. This will create more responsibilities including account management for International Trade Hub events.  I am so grateful for all the opportunities I have been given and I’m looking forward to an exciting career.”

C&W Chamber Training has been celebrating the successes of their Apprentices who have excelled with 84.5% achieving their qualifications, according to the latest figures against a national average of 67.7%.  Since last May, over 100 employers across Coventry and Warwickshire have accessed nearly £150,000 in government Apprentice employment grants through Chamber Training.  For non-levy paying employers, businesses can access 100% government funding as well as a £1,000 incentive for those employing young Apprentices aged 16 to 18.  

For further information on Apprenticeships and how Chamber Training can benefit your business, please contact the Business Development Team at C&W Chamber Training on 024 7623 1122 or enquiries@cw-chambertraining.co.uk

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Photo caption: L-R: James Ahearne, Adele Wheatley and Ajay Desai from The Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce.